Programs and courses

Why choose UVic Indigenous Studies?
Our program creates spaces where Indigenous and non-Indigenous students can build community. It helps forge new alliances for societal transformation, community resurgence and decolonization. The program is open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.
Student experiences
Visit the Native Students Union for student testimonials and experiences.
Programs
We offer both an Indigenous Studies major and a minor as part of the Bachelor of Arts degree. Our flexible programs draw on relevant courses and collaborative relationships across the university.
We emphasize hands-on, land-based learning. You'll develop the skills necessary to work respectfully and productively with Indigenous communities and organizations.
Courses
Core courses will introduce you to the field of Indigenous Studies. You'll explore:
- the diversity of Indigenous identities, experiences and resistance movements, locally and globally
- a critical interdisciplinary approach to the social, political, cultural and historical contexts shaping the lives of Indigenous peoples
- the relationship of land and water to Indigenous pedagogies and politics
Approved electives will give you a broad view of the important issues in the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples. Students in the major program take upper level courses in the following areas:
- Arts, Literatures and Languages
- Histories, Politics, Laws and Lands
- Education, Health and Healing
- Community and Land-Based Learning
Current course offerings for the upcoming academic year:
Fall 2022
Course # | Course title | Instructor |
IS 101 A01 | Indigenous Foundations | Tracy Underwood |
IS 101 A02 | Indigenous Foundations | M. Scow |
IS 101 A03 | Indigenous Foundations | Tracy Underwood |
IS 101 A04 | Indigenous Foundations | M. Scow |
IS 201 A01 | Introduction to Indigenous Studies | Minoway Sinclair |
IS 201 A02 | Introduction to Indigenous Studies | Minoway Sinclair |
IS 201 A03 | Introduction to Indigenous Studies | Mykelle Pacquing |
IS 300 A01 |
Community-Based Cultural Production |
Bobbi Copeland |
IS 301 A01 |
Critical Indigenous Theory | J. Corntassel |
IS 310D A01 |
LE,NONET Preparation Seminar | R. Hancock & R. Livernoche |
IS 320 A01 |
LE,NONET Research Apprenticeship | R. Livernoche |
IS 321 A01 |
LE,NONET Community Internship | R. Livernoche |
IS 350 A01 |
Methods, Ethics, Protocols | J. Corntassel |
IS 391B A01 |
Topics in Histories, Politics, Laws and Lands: Indigenous Latin America |
G. McBee |
IS 400 A01 |
Research Seminar in Indigenous Studies | M. Mowatt |
IS 450 A01 |
Indigenous Studies in the Field | C. Kuzio |
IS 491D A01 |
Seminar in Community and Land-based Learning | Clin Kuzio |
Spring 2023
Course # | Course title | Instructor |
IS 101 A01 | Indigenous Foundations | Mick Scow |
IS 101 A02 | Indigenous Foundations | Tracy Underwood |
IS 101 A03 | Indigenous Foundations | Mick Scow |
IS 201 A01 | Introduction to Indigenous Studies | C. O'Bonsawin |
IS 201 A02 | Introduction to Indigenous Studies | TBA |
IS 201 A03 | Introduction to Indigenous Studies | TBA |
IS 201 A04 | Introduction to Indigenous Studies | C. Kuzio |
IS 300 A01 |
Community-Based Cultural Production |
Lisa Hall |
IS 301 A01 |
Critical Indigenous Theory | J. Corntassel |
IS 310D A01 |
LE,NONET Preparation Seminar | R. Hancock & R. Livernoche |
IS 320 A01 |
LE,NONET Research Apprenticeship | R. Livernoche |
IS 321 A01 |
LE,NONET Community Internship | R. Livernoche |
IS 350 A01 |
Methods, Ethics, Protocols | Jeff Corntassel |
IS 400 A02 |
Research Seminar in Indigenous Studies | Megan Lukaniec |
Indigenous Studies in the Field | Tracy Underwood |